iPhone 18 Pro to Retain Controversial Aluminum Finish, Leaker Claims

Breaking: iPhone 18 Pro Sticks with Flawed Aluminum Design

Apple is reportedly keeping the same anodized aluminum finish for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro that has drawn widespread complaints on the iPhone 17 Pro, according to a new leak. The decision comes despite evidence of surface chipping, scratching, and color shifting on current models.

Fixed Focus Digital, a Weibo leaker with a track record of accurate Apple predictions, posted that the iPhone 18 Pro will “continue to utilize this same design approach.” The leaker added that Apple has classified chipping as “an inherent characteristic of the aluminum alloy material and normal wear and tear,” leaving affected users without warranty coverage.

Background: From Titanium to Aluminum

The iPhone 17 Pro marked a sharp departure from the titanium frames used in 2023 and 2024 Pro models, returning to an anodized aluminum unibody. Almost immediately after launch, users reported visible scratches on Dark Blue and Cosmic Orange finishes, with some display units at Apple Stores showing marks within days.

YouTuber JerryRigEverything conducted scratch tests and found that while the main body resisted everyday items like keys and coins, the camera plateau — with its raised, unchamfered edges — chipped and scratched easily. A separate issue emerged weeks later: Cosmic Orange units experienced a color shift toward rose-gold or pink, prompting some replacements by Apple Support.

iPhone 18 Pro Color Options Leaked

Fixed Focus Digital also outlined four expected colors for the iPhone 18 Pro: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. Dark Cherry is described as a deep, wine-like red, significantly more muted than the controversial Cosmic Orange. For the second year running, no black option is expected, though Dark Gray may serve as a near-black alternative.

Launch Timeline

Apple is anticipated to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026, alongside the company’s first foldable iPhone. The leak suggests that durability issues will persist into the next generation unless Apple makes unannounced material changes.

What This Means

Consumers considering the iPhone 18 Pro should be aware that the aluminum finish may show signs of wear sooner than previous titanium models. Users who prioritize scratch resistance may want to invest in a case or await third-party durability tests post-launch.

Apple’s stance that chipping is “normal wear and tear” signals that cosmetic damage will not be covered under warranty, potentially leading to dissatisfaction among buyers who expect premium build quality from the Pro line. The continuation of this design could also influence resale value, as visible flaws often lower trade-in offers.